Mitch Kupchak flatly said that the Los Angeles Lakers will not trade Dwight Howard ahead of the February deadline. Kupchak also seemed to imply that Pau Gasol, who has been a subject of trade rumors, will not be traded though he didn't mention him by name."We will not make a trade. We will not trade Dwight Howard. We have no intention of making a trade. It's unlikely that we'll make any trade with any of our principal players. To make another change at this time of the year being behind the eight-ball like we are, I think that would just make it more difficult. The talent is there. We have to find our way."The Lakers fired Mike Brown after a 1-4 start and eventually settled on Mike D'Antoni, who has been responsible for mixed results.

"We're very happy with Mike D'Antoni," Kupchak said. "I think when he took the job I think he thought Nash [fractured left leg] might be out a week or two. Not two months. Getting everybody on the same page took a little longer than expected. Not to say it's been smooth sailing, that's for sure."Via Steven Marcus/Newsday

i actually believe him, I think if Jordan hill was healthy then either he or pau would have been traded, but he's not so I think they'll stay the course and see the market for pau or hill in the offseason

I agree with Mitch. I just don't see any way we can trade Gasol with a gimpy Howard and a questionable off season ahead. Not saying I don't wish we could trade him, just that we can't. We're pretty much stuck or set with what we have. Like it or not.

"Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death. I shall take no wife, hold no lands, father no children. I shall wear no crowns and win no glory. I shall live and die at my post. I am the sword in the darkness. I am the watcher on the walls. I am the shield that guards the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the Night's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come."